The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has lifted the suspension of Nollywood actress Halima Abubakar, allowing her to return to industry activities, as she appeals for ₦25 million to fund urgent brain tumour surgery.
The ban was officially lifted on Thursday, January 29, 2026, during the inauguration of the guild’s new National Executive Council at the AGN national secretariat in Abuja.
Outgoing AGN president Emeka Rollas announced that the suspension, which had barred Abubakar and other members from film and guild activities since October 2024, was being withdrawn on humanitarian grounds.
“Halima relies on acting for her livelihood. It would be unfair to keep her barred while she faces serious personal challenges,” Rollas said.
Abubakar’s suspension followed allegations of misconduct and defamatory statements toward colleagues and other prominent Nigerians, which had kept her from formal industry events and film projects for over a year.
In a separate disclosure on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, the actress revealed she has been diagnosed with a brain tumour and urgently needs ₦25 million to cover surgery and related medical care.
Speaking via a live social media session, she said her health has deteriorated and her financial situation is critical.
The actress disclosed she recently became homeless after using funds meant for her treatment to pay rent. She also revealed she spent ₦9 million in October 2025 on her mother’s hernia surgery, leaving her without savings.
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Relocating to Abuja in early 2025 to access specialist medical care, Abubakar said she has been on medication for about a year but still requires urgent surgery.
She appealed to well-meaning Nigerians and influential figures to assist, stressing that her call is for survival, not attention.
The lifting of her suspension comes as she battles both medical and financial hardship, highlighting the precarious conditions of entertainers facing prolonged illness and limited industry support.